Canadian private equity is being seen in a new light, according to the president of Canada’s Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (CVCA).
Interviewed by Privcap at the recent CVCA Annual Conference in Vancouver, Smith noted the keen interest in Canada among international financial and strategic investors due in part to the surge in demand for natural resources.
Private equity deals across the country are up, and this has also drawn global attention, as evidenced by the record attendance at the conference and the increased participation of international delegates, Smith said.
Canada’s technology sector also has attracted increased attention, he said, although Canadian venture capital funds are facing headwinds in the fundraising market, like many firms around the world.
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Guide to Privcap’s conversation with Gregory Smith
00:19 What are the major trends in the Canadian private equity market now?
1:24 Why is Canadian venture capital facing fundraising challenges?
2:18 How does the 2011 CVCA Conference compared to prior years?
2:52 Is the Canadian private equity story under-reported?
3:56 How has the natural resources boom changed the game for Canada?
4:52 What is unique about the Canadian technology opportunity?
Be sure to see Privcap’s interview with with Chris Arsenault of iNovia Capital and Amar Varma of Extreme Venture Partners about trends in the Canadian venture capital market.
And don’t miss our recent interview with Jennifer Dean Brooy of Export Development Canada.
About Gregory Smith
Gregory Smith currently serves as President of the CVCA – Canada’s Venture Capital and Private Equity Association. He also is Managing Partner of Brookfield Financial’s Global Infrastructure, Power and Utility group. Prior to joining Brookfield Financial, Mr. Smith was President of Macquarie Capital Funds Canada Ltd. from 2003 to 2009. He also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Macquarie Power & Infrastructure Income Fund, which is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, and was Chief Executive Officer of Macquarie Essential Assets Partnership, Canada’s first private infrastructure fund. Prior to Macquarie, Mr. Smith was Managing Director of RBC Capital Partners – Mezzanine Fund. Mr. Smith was a director of Macquarie North America Ltd., 407ETR International, AltaLink Management Ltd., Sea-to-Sky Highway Investment Limited Partnership and Leisureworld Senior Care.
About Privcap videos
Privcap provides high-quality programming to participants in the global private capital markets. In addition to its current commentary and podcast offerings, Privcap is developing video series covering important investment themes and practices in private capital. Contact Privcap at admin@privcap.com
